THE man being held by police searching for missing five-year-old April Jones is now being questioned about her murder, it was announced today.

The grim news was revealed by Detective Superintendent Reg Bevan at a press conference in Aberystwyth.

He said: "Mark Bridger has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of April Jones.

"He remains in custody at Aberystwyth Police Station where he continues to be questioned.

"The arrest does not detract from our efforts to find April and we remain committed to finding her.

"Her family has been informed of this development and as you would expect they continue to be supported by a family liaison officer.

"While this is a significant development in the investigation, I once again appeal to the public for information which may help us find April.

A huge search has been carried out to try to find April

"We are looking to trace the movements of Mark Bridger between 6.30pm on Monday and 3.30pm on Tuesday and any sightings of him between these times.

"We also need information regarding the movements of the blue Land Rover Discovery registration L503 MEP between these times."

Superintendent Ian John acknowledged again that volunteer searchers had played a "vital part'' in the hunt for April so far. But the dynamic has changed with the announcement that Mr Bridger is now being held on suspicion of murder, he said. Searches will continue but the focus has inevitably changed.

The brief press conference in Aberystwyth this morning was in stark contrast to the upbeat approach of many residents yesterday.

In response to an appeal from mother Coral Jones to "wear a pink ribbon for April", residents had acted quickly to show their solidarity.

The act of united faith was the community's way of showing April's family that no-one had given up hope of finding her alive.

Today Mr Bevan spoke only briefly to reveal the dramatic development.

Looking tired and drawn himself on the fifth day of searching, he renewed the appeal for information regarding Mr Bridger's movements.

The sombre mood at the press conference was mirrored among members of the media present to report on the case. Both police officers left the room in silence instead of waving away the usual questions from reporters for more information.